Is there anything more tempting or American than heeding the call of the open road? We don’t think so. Whether it’s across state lines or simply traveling a few towns over, the idea of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle like the 2022 Subaru Ascent, throwing on some of your favorite tunes, and ignoring the stressful elements that make up day-to-day existence can feel liberating, to say the least. Popular culture has taken great strides to make the road trip a modern rite of passage, especially in films such as Two for the Road, which elevate the lengthy road trip as an allegory for the journey one takes through life, full of twists, turns, and unexpected roadblocks.
Romanticism aside, there’s the other side of the story, the driver whose daily routine includes a lengthy commute from their house to the workplace. If this is you, then several days out of the week are road trips in their own right, born out of necessity. Shouldn’t you drive something that makes these occupational trips more enjoyable? Fear not, commuter, for the 2022 Subaru Ascent is a vehicle with you in mind, elevating comfort and economy on high to make events in your life less stressful. Hitting the road is mandatory for you, so maybe it’s time you get the most out of it.
A Subaru Made Just for You
On any given day, you’re most likely bombarded with commercials from manufacturers trying to sell you their products and prove that their offerings are better than the competition. If you grew up in the ’90s, you might even remember the Subaru ads that featured Crocodile Dundee himself, Paul Hogan. We know you’re tired of being bombarded by stuff like that. So, we’re taking the high road and simply giving you information that will allow you to make an informed decision. That starts by looking at something you probably care about most when shopping for a new car–the price.
When it comes to the Subaru fleet, the Ascent is still the new kid on the block, with its debut arriving in 2017 for the 2018 model year. But, just as Judas Priest once said, “You don’t have to be old to be wise.” As the largest vehicle manufactured by Subaru, the Ascent has had some stiff competition in the midsize SUV market. Its rugged spirit of competition is emphasized in Subaru’s willingness to undercut its rivals in terms of offering a lower MSRP than the norm. Starting at just $32,295, the Ascent is less costly than the Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Kia Telluride. Subaru’s offering of a vehicle so moderately priced is not just competitive; it’s consumer-friendly.
An Ideal Vehicle for an Ideal Commute
As we’ve already established the Subaru Ascent’s economical pricing, you might be wondering what you get with that moderately priced sales tag. Well, the fact of the matter is, you’re getting quite a lot. The Subaru Ascent comes in five different trims, so no matter what your individual tastes might be, there’s certainly something that can accommodate them. Across the board for all five trims is a standard 2.4L turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder engine that has 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque, and AWD. This is a performance that’s accessible for any driver.
If you are someone who partakes in a lengthy commute on a daily basis, we recommend the two introductory trim lines of the Ascent. While the engine and drivetrain are consistent for all trims, there is a slight difference in terms of fuel economy. While the two introductory trim levels have a fuel economy averaging 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, the upper three average out to 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. While this might not seem like a number that would impact a commute that much, fuel costs add up over the course of an entire year. It all depends upon how much you value saving money at the pump. However, this difference isn’t so great that it should stop you from springing for a nicer trim, either.
Another part of the commute that many people enjoy is the aspect of being entertained by their favorite musical artists or an informative podcast. The audio options for the Subaru Ascent vary depending upon trim level, but each option will be music to your ears. The first four trims come equipped with a six-speaker audio system that’s bound to impress. Standard on the top trim level and available on the second to highest is a system that’s guaranteed to not only distract you from your communal obligations but possibly rattle the stress completely out of your body altogether. A Harmon Kardon Quantum stereo system with surround sound and 14 speakers is one of the most impressive systems in the industry today. Accompanied by a 792-watt amplifier, it will certainly allow you to commune with your inner metalhead.
For infotainment, the Subaru Ascent has three options that vary based on the trim you choose. While the introductory has a 6.5-inch screen, the middle three have a standard 8-inch. Also available on these trims and standard on the top level is a top-tier 8-inch navigational multimedia center.
Benefits of the Interior
Now, a long commute requires comfort and a pleasing aesthetic. The last thing you want is to feel trapped inside a box that feels cold and manufactured. Fear not, gentle commuter. Subaru has always placed comfort at the top of the list, much like their drivetrains and refined engineering.
Much like other SUVs in its class, the Subaru Ascent has quite a bit of space and can seat up to eight adults with three rows of seating. Sitting in the lap of pristine luxury is available, but it depends on which trim you purchase and how important it is to you and your occasional guests. From the second trim level onwards, the comfort increases steadily, and you’ll find amenities that you’d expect in a high-end luxury sedan. Case in point, the top trim level comes standard with heated first and second-row seats, captain’s chairs in the second row, and leather-trimmed upholstery. The introductory trim is great for solo drivers who spend a lot of their commutes on their own, but for those who want to party in style, the two top trim levels are ideal.
Conquer Your Commute, Don’t Let It Conquer You
The final bit of consideration you might give for your commuter vehicle is its safety. After all, if you are going to spend a lot of time in this vehicle, it needs to be able to keep you safe during your daily back and forth. In mandatory testing from the NHTSA, the Ascent scored a 5-star overall safety rating. Some of the standard safety features you’re getting along with your commute-conquering vehicle are adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and sway warning, pre-collision throttle management, and pre-collision braking. The commute might be long, but Subaru is determined to provide you with the means of being comfortable, safe, secure, and ready for anything that life happens to toss in your direction.
The 2022 Subaru Ascent is an example of the perfect hat trick. Reasonably priced and offering more than its competitors, this is what makes the long treks enjoyable. And while you might not have any long road trips planned in the immediate future, the Ascent will make sure that they become more tempting. Just something to think about as you are driving to and from work or school.
